Home Building Process

Building a new home can be an exciting but complex process. The following are the common steps involved with the home building process.

This process is also followed for modular or production homes. The only thing that makes it different is that a number of steps are accomplished in a warehouse for modular or production homes.

Planning

This is the first step in building a custom home. This phase involves the design of your floor plans and requires extensive communication with one of our building experts and an architect. This step also includes the process for choosing your materials and finishes.

Foundation and Site Work

Prior to building a new home, the site needs to be cleared and levelled. Trenches are then dug to set the foundation. Although pre-cast concrete panels are becoming more popular as they are more solid and easy to install, most foundations today are still made of poured concrete.

Framing

Framing refers to the creation of the skeleton that forms the shape and structure of the home. By the time the foundation is set, the roof, the floors, the walls and the stairs are built. The typical method for on-site construction using individual pieces of lumber is commonly called the stick built approach. Some options other than modular homes and paneled homes include steel, concrete, adobe, and straw bale, in addition to the stick built approach.

Exterior Finishes

Besides protecting the inside of your home, exterior finishes will at least make it look almost done. Durability, maintenance cost, and requirements are the primary factors to consider in finishing your front and roof covering. Be sure to spend some time on deciding what materials to use in this step, as the cheapest product available may not be the least expensive for years to come.

Mechanical Rough-Ins

As soon as the interior of the house is secured, electricity, plumbing, water heating, and heating / ventilation / air conditioning (HVAC) systems are installed. There are various options for these systems that offer excellent performance, reduced utility bills and significant warranties.

Insulation and Air Sealing

This stage protects your home from extreme temperatures. Air sealing must be done by a professional air sealer. It is important to be aware that rushed air sealing could result in leaks that will leave hot and cold spots in your home which could result in inflated energy bills. Be sure to hire only the best air sealer, as some practitioners may skip on important areas.

Once air sealing is complete, insulation is then applied to the roof and the exterior walls. One-step air sealing and insulation can be found in some products. Quality of materials is also essential in the insulation stage.

Interior Finishes

Interior finishing follows once all the necessary behind-the-wall stages are completed. During this step, drywall, flooring, tiles, and cabinetry are installed. This is also where painting of the interior is executed. One tip – you can avoid gas smelling finishes and products by choosing Low-VOC or Low Volatile Organic Compounds.

Landscaping

Landscaping is usually done simultaneously with the interior finishes. But it can also follow once the exterior finishes are complete. Native plants that do not require much water are ideal for landscaping. Trees not only serve as was to block wind, but they can also shade your home during hot summer days.

Walk –Through

The final walk-through is the last step before closing. If you see something that is different from what you’ve expected, this is the best time to address it. Make sure that problems are addressed accordingly before you sign the final documents. This is also the best time for your builder to teach you about how your new home operates.